Alternative Names

Leukocyte count; White blood cell count

How the Test is Performed

Most of the time, blood is typically drawn from a vein located on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand.

In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin. The blood collects in a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage is put over the spot to stop any bleeding.

How to Prepare for the Test

Most of the time, you do not need to take special steps before this test. Tell your doctor the medicines you are taking, including ones you buy without a prescription. Some drugs may change the test results.

How the Test will Feel

You may feel slight pain or a sting when the needle is inserted. You may also feel some throbbing at the site after the blood is drawn.

Why the Test is Performed

You will have this test to find out how many WBCs you have. Your body produces more WBCs when you have an infection or allergic reaction. You can also have more WBCs when you are under stress.

Normal Results

The normal number of WBCs in the blood is 4,500-10,000 white blood cells per microliter (mcL).

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different labs. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens. Talk to your doctor about your test results.

The examples above show the common measurements for results for these tests.

What Abnormal Results Mean

LOW WHITE BLOOD CELL (WBC) COUNT

A low number of WBCs is called leukopenia. A WBC count below 4500 is below normal

One type of white blood cell is the neutrophil. This type of white blood cell is important for fighting infections.

An adult with who has fewer than 1700 neutrophils in a microliter of blood has a low white blood cell count.

If there are fewer than 500 neutrophils in a microliter of blood, the risk for infection becomes even higher.